With such a rich history, it is no wonder that the list of haunted places in Texas seems to go on forever. But for the sake of this list, we are going to narrow it down to five of the most chillingly haunted places to be found in the Lone Star State.
Keep in mind before you plan a road trip that while some places may be open to the public, it may not always be the case. Check ahead and be sure to always respect private property.
The Alamo (San Antonio, TX)
There may be no basement at The Alamo, but according to many, there are plenty of spirits. Founded in the 18th century, the mission was the location of the Battle of The Alamo, which saw hundreds of causalities between the Texian Army and the Mexican Army. There are a lot of ghost stories involving The Alamo, some even originating just a few days after the battle ended. One of the most famous says that when troops from the Mexican Army went back to burn the structure down, they found vengeful spirits surrounding it for protection. When the men returned, failing to burn The Alamo down, others were sent to carry out the orders and also failed due to seeing angry spirits rise up. While we have no way of knowing what they saw exactly, something obviously stopped them in their tracks.
People to this day still report experiencing ghostly phenomena, such as children’s laughter, seeing apparitions, and flickering lights.
Menger Hotel (San Antonio, TX)
Located in San Antonio next to The Alamo, the Menger Hotel has a fascinating history that includes famous guests, such as Theodore Roosevelt and Bill Clinton, hosting Civil War soldiers, multiple murders and suicides, a funeral, and it was even the location where the Battle of The Alamo took place. It is no wonder there are also so many haunting stories involving this 160-year-old hotel.
One of the most reported sightings is of a woman named Sallie White who worked as a chambermaid at the Menger Hotel before her death. According to the March 29, 1876 edition of the San Antonio Daily Express, Sallie’s abusive husband wielded a gun at her near their home, located two blocks from the Menger Hotel. She tried to run for safety to the hotel, but he caught up to her and shot her multiple times. Sallie White passed away two days later in a room on the third floor of the original part of the hotel. She was very beloved by everyone at the Menger, and they paid $32.00 for her funeral expenses. The ledger reflecting the expense can be found within a display case in the lobby.
Many people over the years have said to witness Sallie going about her daily work, even coming and going within occupied hotel rooms through walls. It is said that she can be seen dressed in a long grey skirt with a bandana in her hair carrying towels for guests.
In addition to Sallie White, there are many other spirits and activity which have been reported. It is now a popular destination for paranormal investigators and “Ghost Tours.”
El Paso High School (El Paso, TX)
Founded in 1916, El Paso High School is known as one of the most haunted high schools in the country. For years, students have reported seeing apparitions of a teenage girl jumping from a balcony. It is said that a girl at the school committed suicide after experiencing a heartbreak and her spirit never left. In fact, many claim that she can be seen in a 1985 yearbook class photo, pictured above. Although it could just be an issue with the camera, others who were there have said they don’t know the student or remember her being there.
Adding to the school’s creep factor are a series of underground tunnels beneath the school that served as protection during the Mexican Revolution and bomb shelters during WWII. Some of the corridors are still open to the public today.
Jefferson Hotel (Jefferson, TX)
When it comes to the Jefferson Hotel, there are no shortage of ghost stories to be found. Built in 1851, the building served other purposes, such as storing cotton, before getting renovated into a hotel. Staff and hotel guests have reported a variety of activity, such as dishes moving, televisions turning off and on, unexplained voices, and the sounds of ghostly children running in the halls.
Although people have claimed to have experienced phenomenon all throughout the hotel, Room 19 is said to be a hotbed of activity. Although there are no official reports confirming, rumor has it that a prostitute was murdered in the room and still hangs around. Guests have reported feeling like they’re being watched and one woman says that a spirit spoke to her by writing words on a fogged up mirror. Read more about her encounter here.
Please note that if you would like to visit for yourself, the Jefferson Hotel is currently closed for repairs and renovation. According to the website, it is set to re-open this spring. Be sure to check ahead.
Hotel Galvez (Galveston, TX)
This historic hotel, located in front of the seawall overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, opened its doors in 1911 and has hosted many famous guests including Franklin D. Roosevelt, Dwight D. Eisenhower, and Frank Sinatra. The most famous ghost of the hotel is of a 25-year-old woman named Audra. During the 1950s, Audra stayed in Room 501 while her fiancé, a mariner, was out at sea. When his ship was due back at port and didn’t return, she hung herself on the 8th floor. If she had only waited a bit longer, Audra would have seen her fiancé return safely. Her ghost is now seen around the hotel and referred to as the “Ghost Bride.”
In addition to sightings, people report slamming doors, electronics turning off and on, dresser drawers opening and closing, and cold spots. All of the activity is usually centered around Room 501.
Have you visited any of these haunted places in Texas? Be sure to let us know on social media or in comments!
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